SHARING HIGHLIGHTS FROM ELDER LAFLEUR’S MESSAGES THAT HELP US STAY PUT IF WE’RE ON THE STRAIT AND NARROW, AND IF NOT, WELL, HE’S TEACHING 3 WAYS TO GET BACK.

First of all, when you have the opportunity to hear God’s Word from a man who has taught and lived the scriptures this long, you take it.  You listen.

Many of the best faith messages and eye-opening scriptures fly under the radar—but not here.  Our Apostle is well-versed in the Bible and digs deeper than skimming scriptures and picking out only the parts we like.  Lately, he’s letting us know what’s good and what to leave alone so we can stand firm and stay where God planted us.

Years ago, our church sang a song, “We Shall Not Be Moved”, and it became a statement of our faith.

No matter what this culture is telling us to influence how we act, dress, and think—we are not ashamed of The Gospel of Jesus, and we will Not be moved from Him.

Check out Elder’s surefire ways to find and stay on the right path!

1)  CHOOSE WISELY:  THE BROAD WAY VS. THE NARROW WAY

Jesus did not suffer pain, endure cruelty, and conquer death so we could get side-tracked on the broad way or grab the latest, hippest version of salvation.

It doesn’t work that way.  Elder LaFleur warned us not to stray or allow our flesh to start easing over into the broad way—it leads to Destruction.

He pointed out the dangers of a wide gate in Matthew 7, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

The paths are in opposite directions.  You Cannot Travel Both.

Whoa.  Hit the brakes.  Back up a second.

(Ahh… hem)  You Have to Choose ONE.

Steer clear of the broad way.  After short-lived appeal, the Broad Path will crush your spirit, destroy your soul, and let you down.

Choose the Narrow Path—it leads to a happy and eternal life!

 2)  DON’T FALL PREY TO THE WISDOM OF MEN

As David won the fight against the giant, with the same five smooth stones, we can slay our own giant (the nature of man).

The Lord has provided instruction to us through His Word.  He told us to praise Him, worship Him, dance, and play instruments, so if we are waiting on Him, we’re late.  The wisdom of men will tell you not to praise Him and not to stir up the spirit.  Don’t allow that carnal mindset to rub off on you.

I Corinthians 2:5, Keep your faith standing in the Power of God.  That faith is where We Win the Fight!

 3)  HONOR WHAT GOD GAVE US

Our meeting next weekend is for the Body of Christ to do God’s will and to strengthen the people of God.

I Corinthians 1: 25-27  “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”

Foolishness = Opposition to the old teachings and doctrines that built the foundation of the Body of Christ and has stood true all the way from the Early Church.  God gave his Son to lay a foundation for us so that we could be saved.

Take a stand and protect what Jesus gave His life to build.  Chipping away at the foundation leads to brokenness and crumbled hope.

Don’t allow foolishness to cause you to stumble and fall into dissent.  There will come a day of reckoning when you will need God’s Ministry.  Where will you be?  God told us to come unto Him and He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).  He did not say He would go get you—even more reason to stay close to the Lord.

God Does His Part.  Let’s Do Ours!

EXTRA BONUS ROUND

SPEAKING OF FOOLISHNESS….

Elder discussed recently how the Lord will lead and guide us in the last days.  He covered scriptures proving we don’t have to frighten or alarm people by telling them it’s the end of time.

Listen to the ten Virgins from Matthew 25 as they chime in with a whole lot to say about the last days and being prepared:

 THE WISE VIRGINS

These virgins never stopped storing up oil.  They were not caught unaware nor unprepared.  When the bridegroom called at midnight, their lamps were trimmed and had oil.  They woke with excitement to meet Him, not in this panicking frenzy:

“It’s the end of time!  The door is shutting!  Hurry, hurry, get ready!”

Those sounds were coming from the other side.  Yep, you guessed it—enter the Foolish Virgins.

 THE FOOLISH VIRGINS

When the Bridegroom called that night, the five foolish virgins arose and immediately flew into panic mode.  Scurrying to wake up and get ready, clamoring about looking for some last minute oil laying around, and causing a stir begging the wise to pleeaasse spare some oil for them, they made a spectacle of themselves.

(Updated Note:  Elder preached Proverbs 23:23 on March 12.  You have to buy the truth yourself and cannot sell it.  You cannot buy it for anyone else, nor they for you.  The five wise virgins bought the truth (oil) and could not give it to the foolish virgins.  You must buy your own oil (truth), or you will not be ready the day Christ comes.  In that day, no one can give you their oil to save you.)

Before midnight while the Bridegroom tarried, All the virgins slumbered and slept as if everything was fine.

 BUT THEN, BUT THEN…

Because the wise virgins didn’t waste valuable time focusing on bigger-than-life obstacles, odds stacked against them, and wow-factor success and entertainment, they might have given off a boring or humdrum vibe (especially to those searching for fleshly excitement)—but don’t doze off just yet.

They proved steady and their labor was far from lackluster.  Being faithful supporters, true to His Word, hard-working, honest, loyal, and an overcomer will not make tomorrow’s front pages.  But these traits DO ensure you’ll be prepared when the Bridegroom comes calling.

 ENTER IN  (CAN YOU IMAGINE?!)

Leaving the fanfare, conflict, and fear of the five foolish virgins behind them, the wise virgins arose from sleeping and with oil in their lamps, walked right in to meet the Bridegroom!  You heard right.  It was that flawless.  They got up and went to meet Jesus (just had to say it again).  These virgins had already committed their lives to serving God and overcoming each day.  They were prepared the very night and hour the Bridegroom came for them.

 STICK AROUND, THERE’S MORE

When you pray, remember to thank God for blessing us to serve under a Ministry who listens for God’s voice, doesn’t get distracted with every wind that blows through, keeps gathering oil, and stays prepared.  Stick with God’s Ministry and His people, and like the five wise virgins, we will be ready—that glorious day—when the Bridegroom comes!

WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

Don’t worry if you missed the “Waiting at the Train Station” sharp analogy Elder LaFleur gave last weekend—I have it for you right here.

ALL PACKED UP AND NO PLACE TO GO

“Do not pack up all your belongings into suitcases and head for the train station until it’s time.  What good are you to the Lord, others, or yourself if you are sitting at a train station with everything packed up waiting, and it’s not time for the train??”

THINK ABOUT IT.